The best infrared heater with timer lets you set a run time and walk away, but timers work in different ways. We compared five models whose listings state a 12-hour timer.

For more heating styles, see our best infrared heater guide, or browse the best space heater roundup for other heater types. Every pick here comes from the makers’ specifications on each Amazon listing, not our own testing, as our Editorial Policy explains. Keep at least 3 feet of clear space around any heater and plug it straight into a wall outlet.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Infrared Heater with Timer

Best OverallLifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

  • Programmable timer handles delayed start or shutoff in 1-hour steps, up to 12 hours
  • Oscillating front louvers switch on or off from the panel or remote
  • 3 extra-long, vertical infrared quartz heating elements
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Best Compact PickWEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater

WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater

  • 12H timer presets a shut-off for up to 12 hours
  • Listed at 34dB
  • Weighs 6.4 pounds and stands 12.6 inches tall
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Best Slim FootprintEXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

  • Listing describes a slim footprint
  • 6 quartz infrared heating tubes
  • 12H timer and an included remote
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Infrared Heaters with Timers Compared

#ProductKey Features
1LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
  • Timer: 1-12 hours, delayed start or shutoff
  • Heat settings: 1,000W, 1,500W, ECO
  • Thermostat: 50-90°F
  • Standout: Oscillating louvers
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2WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater
WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater
  • Timer: Up to 12 hours
  • Heat settings: 1,000W, 1,500W, ECO
  • Thermostat: 50-90°F
  • Standout: 34dB
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3EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
  • Timer: 12 hours
  • Heat settings: 1500W, 1000W, 68°F mode
  • Thermostat: 59-86°F
  • Standout: Slim footprint
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4Lifeplus GD9315BCW-3J 1500W Infrared Quartz Cabinet Heater
Lifeplus GD9315BCW-3J 1500W Infrared Quartz Cabinet Heater
  • Timer: 12 hours
  • Heat settings: 750W, 1500W, 68°F mode
  • Thermostat: 59-86°F
  • Standout: 750W low mode
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5Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Dual Heating Cabinet Heater
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Dual Heating Cabinet Heater
  • Timer: 12 hours
  • Heat settings: High and low
  • Thermostat: 50-85°F
  • Standout: 576 sq ft
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1. LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

Best Overall

LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
Pros
  • Programmable timer handles delayed start or shutoff in 1-hour steps, up to 12 hours
  • Oscillating front louvers switch on or off from the panel or remote
  • 3 extra-long, vertical infrared quartz heating elements
  • Fan-only mode
Cons
  • Its Low setting is 1,000W, while the Lifeplus Cabinet lists a 750W low mode
  • Standout: Oscillating louvers
  • Heat output: 5118 BTU
  • Weight: 18 pounds
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ECO mode targets 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A digital control panel works alongside the included remote.

The wood cabinet finished in dark walnut measures 11 inches deep and 10 inches wide.

Who the LifeSmart Tower suits

Buy it if you want the heater to switch on later as well as shut off on schedule.

Who should pass on the LifeSmart Tower

Skip it if you want a short unit, like the 12.6-inch WEWARM Compact, 15.79-inch Lifeplus Cabinet or 16-inch Dr. Infrared DR-968.

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2. WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater

Best Compact Pick

WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater
Pros
  • 12H timer presets a shut-off for up to 12 hours
  • Listed at 34dB
  • Weighs 6.4 pounds and stands 12.6 inches tall
  • Remote with LED indicator plus a child lock
Cons
  • Covers up to 300 sq ft, like the Lifeplus Cabinet, well short of the 576 sq ft on the Dr. Infrared DR-968
  • Standout: 34dB
  • Coverage: 300 sq ft
  • Weight: 6.4 pounds
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Six quartz elements sit inside a body that measures 9.84 inches deep and 10.03 inches wide.

The WEWARM Compact runs on 120 volts at 12.5 amps, under model number HT1198QX.

Who the WEWARM Compact suits

Choose it if a 34dB listing matters for a home office or a reading corner.

Who should pass on the WEWARM Compact

Pass on it if you want side-to-side airflow, which the oscillating louvers on the LifeSmart Tower provide.

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3. EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater

Best Slim Footprint

EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater
Pros
  • Listing describes a slim footprint
  • 6 quartz infrared heating tubes
  • 12H timer and an included remote
  • Control lock engages with a 3-second press of both temperature buttons
Cons
  • Lowest setting on the thermostat is 59 degrees Fahrenheit, like the Lifeplus Cabinet, versus 50 on the other three picks
  • Standout: Slim footprint
  • Heating: 6 quartz tubes
  • Model: TWH-15Q2
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A digital display shows the thermostat setting. Three modes cover 1500W, 1000W and a 68-degree Fahrenheit setting.

A built-in carry handle and cord wrap make the EXNOS Tower easier to move and store.

Who the EXNOS Tower suits

Get it if you need to fit a heater into a narrow corner or a spot beside your bed.

Who should pass on the EXNOS Tower

Choose the Dr. Infrared DR-968 instead if you would rather roll a heater on caster wheels.

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4. Lifeplus GD9315BCW-3J 1500W Infrared Quartz Cabinet Heater

Best 750-Watt Setting

Lifeplus GD9315BCW-3J 1500W Infrared Quartz Cabinet Heater
Pros
  • Low 750W and high 1500W modes, plus a 68-degree Fahrenheit mode
  • 12-hour timer, run from the top panel or the remote
  • Listing says it suits rooms up to 300 sq ft
  • Child lock
Cons
  • At 16.3 pounds, it outweighs the 6.4-pound WEWARM Compact by a wide margin
  • Standout: 750W low mode
  • Coverage: 300 sq ft
  • Weight: 16.3 pounds
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Radiant heating comes ready to use, since the cabinet needs no assembly.

The chestnut brown cabinet measures 15.79 inches tall, 12.8 inches wide and 11.93 inches deep.

Who the Lifeplus Cabinet suits

Pick it if you want a gentler 750-watt level for mild evenings.

Who should pass on the Lifeplus Cabinet

Look elsewhere if you need more than 300 sq ft, since the Dr. Infrared DR-968 lists 576.

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5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Dual Heating Cabinet Heater

Best for Larger Rooms

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-968 Dual Heating Cabinet Heater
Pros
  • Heating coverage listed as 576 sq ft
  • Dual heating system pairs an infrared quartz tube with PTC
  • 12-hour shut-off timer with an IR remote control
  • Caster wheels and a 72-inch (6-foot) power cord
Cons
  • Thermostat stops at 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the other four picks here reach 86 or 90
  • Standout: 576 sq ft
  • Heat output: Around 5200 BTU
  • Weight: 19 pounds
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The 1500-watt heater puts out around 5200 BTU, and its blower noise level is listed at 39 dB.

A lifetime filter comes built in. The cherry cabinet measures 13 inches deep, 11 inches wide and 16 inches tall.

Who the Dr. Infrared DR-968 suits

Go with it if you heat a larger living area and want coverage listed at 576 sq ft.

Who should pass on the Dr. Infrared DR-968

Pass on it if you carry heaters between rooms, since the WEWARM Compact weighs 6.4 pounds.

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How to Choose the Best Infrared Heater with Timer

  • Decide how the timer should work, because the LifeSmart Tower lists a delayed start as well as shutoff.
  • Match stated coverage to your room: 576 sq ft for the Dr. Infrared DR-968 and 300 for the WEWARM Compact and Lifeplus Cabinet.
  • Compare low settings, since the Lifeplus Cabinet lists a 750W low mode and the LifeSmart Tower a 1,000W low.
  • Thermostats differ: 50-90 on the LifeSmart Tower and WEWARM Compact, and 59-86 on the EXNOS Tower and Lifeplus Cabinet. The Dr. Infrared DR-968 runs 50-85.
  • Think about moving it, with a 6.4-pound WEWARM Compact, a carry handle on the EXNOS Tower and caster wheels on the Dr. Infrared DR-968.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pick can delay its start time?

The LifeSmart Tower can. Its programmable timer sets a delayed start or shutoff in 1-hour increments.

Which pick lists caster wheels?

The Dr. Infrared DR-968 lists caster wheels, along with a lifetime filter.

Which pick has a 750-watt low mode?

The Lifeplus Cabinet has a low 750W mode next to its high 1500W setting.

Do all five heaters come with a remote?

Yes, each of the five listings includes a remote, and the WEWARM Compact remote has an LED indicator.

Our Verdict

Our best infrared heater with timer pick is the LifeSmart Tower, whose timer can delay the start or set a shutoff. Choose the WEWARM Compact for a 6.4-pound build, the Lifeplus Cabinet for a 750W mode, or the Dr. Infrared DR-968 for 576 sq ft.

Best Overall: LifeSmart HT1216 Infrared Quartz Tower Heater Check Latest Price

Best Compact Pick: WEWARM HT1198QX 1500W Compact Infrared Cabinet Heater Check Latest Price

Best Slim Footprint: EXNOS TWH-15Q2 24-Inch Infrared Quartz Tower Heater Check Latest Price

Think about when you want heat to start and stop, then use the comparison table to pick a heater.

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